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<br />Mr. Burandt stated that the storage developer has not yet been named but provided examples of <br />storage containers that could be used in the solar array. He noted that the storage containers would <br />be located on the back side of the swale if you were looking from Highway 10. <br /> <br />City Planner Anderson stated that staff does not have a final Site Plan as that would be contingent <br />on final site work that is being done. He stated that part of the mapping process that was done in <br />2007 to prepare for the Comprehensive Plan update identified this land as Public/Quasi Public but <br />the reguiding of the land never occurred. He stated that currently the property is zoned as R- <br />2/medium residential. He stated that staff believes that it would be appropriate to rezone the <br />property as Public/Quasi-Public, especially because the County owns the property. He noted that <br />substations are allowed in that zoning district and while a solar array is not a specified use, it would <br />be similar. He stated that staff would recommend adding a text amendment to the zoning district <br />to allow solar energy systems as a principal use with the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. He <br />noted that a Conditional Use Permit could then be used to allow the solar array. He stated that this <br />th <br />would move forward to the Planning Commission for a public hearing at their September 7 <br />meeting and would then move to the City Council. <br /> <br />Mr. Burandt stated that Connexus originally wanted to have a showcase on their property, as they <br />have 18 acres of land but staff was hesitant and stated that they would support the solar array on <br />another piece of property as they would rather see the land near the Connexus site preserved for a <br />business park. <br /> <br />City Planner Anderson agreed that from an economic development perspective, Ramsey is short <br />on industrial/business park land and therefore the remainder of the Connexus property may be <br />desirable for that purpose. He stated that discussion has brought this idea to the County owned <br />land, which would be a good marriage of the County owned land and the solar array. <br /> <br />Board Member Hiatt asked if there has been any feedback from the residents on Bowers Drive. <br /> <br />Mr. Burandt stated that they have not spoken with the residents in that area yet but would be open <br />to holding a public meeting. <br /> <br />City Planner Anderson stated that if Connexus is interested, staff could open up City Hall earlier <br />for an open house prior to the Planning Commission meeting for residents to ask more questions <br />if desired. <br /> <br />Mr. Burandt stated that he has not heard any negative comments about creating more renewable <br />energy. <br /> <br />Motion by Chairperson Stodola and seconded by Board Member Valentine to recommend <br />approval of a Zoning Amendment to rezone the subject property to Public/Quasi Public and to add <br />solar energy systems as a principal use with the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Stodola, Board Member Valentine, Anderson, Covart, <br />Hiatt, and Trossen. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Bernard. <br /> <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / August 21, 2017 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br /> <br />